Beverage container with integral storage space for drinking cups

ABSTRACT

A container is disclosed that can hold and dispense a beverage while at the same time storing and dispensing drinking cups for consuming the beverage, thereby enhancing the availability of drinking cups, by making them readily available for use with the container. The container includes a cup storage and dispensing portion formed into the bottom, the side, or some other surface of the container, with a cup retaining element capable of resisting removal of a cup from the portion. The cup storage and dispensing portion can be sealed by a removable cover, and can be shaped to accommodate a plurality of cups while maximizing the beverage volume of the container. In another aspect of the invention, the container includes a storage portion that can be used to store other items, such as beverage additives or promotional items, in addition to, or instead of, cups.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to containers, and particularly tobeverage containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverages come in a variety of container sizes. Single servingcontainers, such as 12 oz or 16 oz bottles or cans, contain only enoughbeverage for a typical person. If the person is not sharing thebeverage, it can be consumed directly from the single serving container,without the need for a cup.

By contrast, high capacity beverage containers that contain multipleservings of a beverage are known for conveniently storing and dispensinglarge quantities of beverages economically and conveniently. However,large containers such as 2 liter soft drink bottles, ½ gallon bottles,and 1 gallon jugs are typically used to pour the beverage into one ormore cups, rather than consuming the contents directly from thecontainer. This often happens when people gather in groups and share thecontents of a large beverage container.

Cups for drinking the contents of a large beverage container aretypically not sold with the beverage container. Consequently, a consumermust purchase a package of cups separately. Usually, there are more cupsincluded in the package than are needed to consume the beverage. Thisresults in either wasted cups, or extra cups that must be saved forlater use.

Additionally, cups and drinks are stored in separate places in thehome—cups in a cabinet, drinks often in the refrigerator. If a person isgoing to take a large beverage container to use outside the home, thatperson must also remember to pack an appropriate number of cups forconsuming the beverage. Otherwise, that person will again need topurchase yet another package of cups, such package containing too manycups.

Further, large drink containers are sold to consumers in separatesections of a grocery store, so consumers must visit two parts of thestore if they have no cups with them, and intend to consume the beveragewithout going to their home or office where cups are stored. Worse yet,some stores that sell drinks in large capacity beverage containers donot also sell cups, or a store may run out of the appropriate sizeand/or style of cup, making it necessary for a consumer either to allowmultiple persons to drink directly from the beverage container, or to gofurther and find yet another store to purchase the appropriate drinkingcups.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention enhances the availability of drinking cups for a beveragecontained in a large beverage container. The cups are convenientlysized, and readily available for use with the container. Byincorporating a cup storage and dispenser compartment as a deformationof the wall or bottom of the beverage container, substantialconveniences are provided. For example, a convenient number of cups canbe stored in the wall or bottom of the container, making them readilyavailable for consumption of the beverage stored within the container.

Because cup storage and dispensing features are integrated into the formof the large beverage container of the invention, the invention can bemanufactured, distributed, and sold much like known large beveragecontainers. Further, the cost of manufacturing the invention issubstantially the same as manufacturing known large beverage containers,since separate parts are not needed to provide for storage anddispensing of cups.

The invention has the advantage of conveniently providing the rightsize, type, and quantity of cups for the consumer at the exact time andplace that the consumer needs them. This advantage results in feweritems for the consumer to purchase, transport, and store to consume abeverage in a large container. This advantage may be particularlyattractive to consumers who live in small city apartments with scarcekitchen storage space, or businesses where convenience and one-time-useitems reduce costs.

Because the shape of the beverage container of the invention does notsignificantly differ from the shape of standard large beveragecontainers, the capacity of the beverage container of the invention alsodoes not significantly differ from standard large beverage containers.Thus, the beverage container of the invention can be of the same heightand diameter as standard large beverage containers, while also storingand dispensing cups, with only a modestly reduced beverage storagecapacity. Alternatively, the beverage container of the invention can beof slightly greater height and/or diameter as standard beveragecontainer sizes, while having a standard beverage storage capacity.

Additionally since brand labeling is critical for soft drink companies,integrating the cups with the drink container offers companies anopportunity to brand label the cup so as to match the container,reinforcing the brand every time the cup is used.

For retailers, the invention takes up much less shelf/storage space thanseparately shelved cups and drink containers.

Regarding distribution and shipping, since disposable drink cups aretypically very lightweight, the impact of including cups on the totalweight of a filled drink container is insignificant.

For consumers, the invention ensures the availability of cups forconsumption of the beverage contained therein. This advantage isparticularly significant when the beverage container is to betransported a long distance from home, such as to a picnic, or to thebeach. Consumer convenience is further enhanced by providing immediate,ready access to the required drinking cups anytime the consumer desiresto drink the beverage contained by the invention.

Accordingly, one general aspect of the invention is a containerincluding a storage and dispensing portion capable of storing anddispensing at least one cup. In a preferred embodiment, the storage anddispensing portion is incorporated into a wall of the container. In afurther preferred embodiment, the wall is the bottom of the container.In an alternate preferred embodiment, the wall is the side wall of thecontainer.

In other preferred embodiments, the storage and dispensing portionincludes a retaining ridge capable of resisting removal of cups storedin the storage and dispensing portion.

In yet other preferred embodiments, an inner surface of the storage anddispensing portion is shaped substantially like the inner surface of adrinking cup.

In still other preferred embodiments, the storage and dispensing portionis cooperative with a sealing cap.

In other preferred embodiments, the storage and dispensing portion isshaped so as to accommodate storage of a closed cylindrical container.

In yet more preferred embodiments, the storage and dispensing portionincludes a plurality of drinking cups.

In still more preferred embodiments, the drinking cups each bear atrademark.

Another general aspect of the invention is a bottle for containing abeverage, and for storing and dispensing cups useful for consuming thebeverage. The bottle includes a cup storage and dispensing portionformed into a surface of the bottle, an inner surface of the cup storageand dispensing portion including a cup retaining element capable ofresisting removal of a cup from the cup storage and dispensing portion.The bottle also includes a plurality of cups stored within the cupstorage and dispensing portion.

In preferred embodiments, the cup storage and dispensing portion isformed into a bottom of the bottle. In other preferred embodiments, thecup storage and dispensing portion is formed into a side wall of thebottle.

In still other preferred embodiments, the cup storage and dispensingportion is sealed by a cap.

In further preferred embodiments, the cup storage and dispensing portionis shaped to accommodate a cup, while maximizing the volume of thebottle.

In still further preferred embodiments, the bottle also includes atleast one sample within the cup storage and dispensing portion.

In other preferred embodiments, the cup retaining element, capable ofresisting removal of a cup from the cup storage and dispensing portion,includes a plurality of resistance regions.

In still other preferred embodiments, the resistance regions arecircumferentially disposed.

In preferred embodiments, the cup retaining element is formed from awall of the cup storage and dispensing portion.

Another general aspect of the invention is a method of providingpromotional items with drink containers. The method includes providing adrink container with integral storage formed into a wall of thecontainer, the storage forming an externally accessible cavity extendinginto the drink container. Then, placing one or more promotional itemswithin the externally accessible cavity, and sealing the promotionalitems within the externally accessible cavity with a removable lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the detaileddescription, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is cut-away perspective view of the storage and dispenser portionof a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a planar cut-away view of a bottom wall preferred embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 3 is a magnified detail view of the invention of FIG. 2 showingcups being stored in the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of a sidewall embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of an alternate preferred embodiment of theinvention storing promotional items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a cut-away perspective view of the drink storage anddispenser portion of a preferred embodiment of the invention withdetails of key features and elements. This portion of the preferredembodiment of the invention includes concentric cylinders joined at thetop with the inner cylinder closed at the bottom. The shape of it isessentially that of a sleeve that can accept a plurality of cups withinthe sleeve such that only the bottom surface of the last cup insertedinto the sleeve is exposed.

The storage and dispenser portion of the invention in this embodimentincludes two cylinders, an outer cylinder 120 and an inner cylinder 130which is smaller in diameter and shorter in length than outer cylinder120. Additionally, inner cylinder 130 has a closed end 140. The innercylinder 130 is located concentrically within the outer cylinder 120such that the open end of inner cylinder 130 is aligned yet opposed withrespect to an open end of outer cylinder 120. The aligned open ends ofthe cylinders 120, 130 are attached by an annular seal 110 to maintainthe cylinders 120, 130 in stable relative position, and to close off oneend of the space between the cylinders, thereby creating a storage space150 between cylinders, thereby providing space for a plurality ofstacked drinking cups. A circumferential retaining ridge 160 provides abarrier that resists removal of each of the cups, as explained furtherbelow.

FIG. 2, shows a cut away view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionwhere the bottom of a large beverage container, such as a soda bottle,includes a storage and dispensing portion 100. The storage anddispensing portion 100 of FIG. 2 is very similar to the structuredescribed in FIG. 1, differing only in the relative slant of thecylinder walls, and that the plastic is formed as a continuous structurethat is integral to the wall 210 which descends to form the bottom ofthe large beverage container 220, which includes the storage anddispensing portion 100. FIG. 2 also shows a cross-sectional view of acircumferential retaining ridge 160, which is essentially the same asthe circumferential retaining ridge 160 of FIG. 1. This storage anddispensing portion 100 of the large beverage container 220 can accept aplurality of cups that can each be inserted by a person or by a machinesituated outside the large beverage container 220.

The storage and dispensing portion 100 of the invention is made from thesame material used to make standard beverage containers. For example, inthe case of a two-liter soft drink container, the invention is made fromPET plastic, which is relatively hard and transparent. In the case of aone-half or one gallon milk container, the invention is made frompartially translucent or opaque plastic. The invention can also be madefrom glass, such as when included in the bottom or the side of a largeglass milk jug. The invention could also be included in the side or thebottom of a very large plastic water cooler bottle, for example.

The storage and dispensing portion 100 can store and dispense aplurality of cups, each cup having a cup rim 260 sized to lightlycontact the inner wall of the storage and dispensing portion 100. When acup is moved past the circumferential retaining ridge 160 to add orremove a cup from the portion 100, it applies a compression force to acup rim 260, temporarily deforming it slightly, as it moves past ridge160. The force applied to cup rim 260 is sufficient to prevent the cup230 from falling out of the storage and dispenser portion 100 under itsown weight, but is not enough to permanently deform the cup rim 260.Retaining ridge 160 can be a continuous structure, or it can be aplurality of segments interspersed with voids along the innercircumference of outer ring 120 so as to reduce the compression force oncup rim 260.

FIG. 3 also displays how the invention takes advantage of the fact thatdrinking cups 230 can be stacked to provide maximum drinking cup storagewith minimum volume being taken away from the interior volume of a drinkcontainer.

To keep drinking cups 230 from being exposed to dirt and germs outsidethe drink container, a lid 310 can be placed over the open end of cupstorage portion 100. The lid 310 can be constructed and attached in away similar to the plastic or foil-backed lids used to seal many liquidstorage containers. These peel-off, single use lids provide protectionto the contents during manufacture, distribution, and retail handling.Alternatively, the lid 310 can be made of rigid plastic, and formed inthe shape of a thin stopper to allow the lid 310 to be reusable.

With reference to FIG. 4, the storage and retaining portion 100 of theinvention can be formed into any wall of a drink container. FIG. 4 showsa side-wall embodiment of the invention integrated into the side wall ofa plastic bottle or glass jug.

FIG. 4 also shows an alternative embodiment of the invention without aninner wall similar to the inner cylinder 130. Instead, there is only anouter wall similar to the outer cylinder 120, and a flat back wall 410instead of a cup-like wall 332. This embodiment provides storage fordrinking cups, as well as anything else that one might want to includeinside the inner-most cup, such as packets of sugar, drink flavoring, orcollapsible drinking straws, for example. However, this embodiment alsotakes up a larger volume from drink container interior 220 than theother embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention with storage anddispenser portion 100, which can be accessed by removing lid 310. Thestorage and dispenser portion 100 here is shown NOT storing cups, butinstead being used for storage of promotional items such as game cards,key rings, a coupon 510, or a product sample 520, as the manufacturer orbottler may choose to provide. Thus, the shape of storage and dispenserportion 100 could be other than cup-shaped, and could therefore besmaller or larger than a set of cups so as to accept such promotionalitems. In this embodiment, storage portion 100 could be used by theretail consumer to store an item or items of their choosing such as nonperishable food.

Alternatively, storage portion 100 could be used to store a differentdrink in its own small container, a trial sample 520 of a complimentaryfood, or other item offered by the manufacturer.

Storage portion 100 could also accept similarly sized cups provided bythe retail consumer, or another party, independent of the consumption ofthe drink container contents. In this way, the storage and dispenserportion of the invention can function solely as a cup storage anddispensing apparatus.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the inventionas claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limitthe invention except as indicated in the following claims.

1. A container for dispensing a beverage and storing and dispensing at least one cup, comprising: a beverage container that is able to contain and dispense a beverage; and an externally accessible cup storage and dispensing portion, incorporated into the structure of the container, that is able to store and dispense at least one cup.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the cup storage and dispensing portion is incorporated into an enclosing surface of the container.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the container has a bottom, and wherein the cup storage and dispensing portion is incorporated into the bottom of the container.
 4. The container of claim 2, wherein the cup storage and dispensing portion is incorporated into a side wall of the container.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the cup storage and dispensing portion includes a retaining ridge capable of resisting removal of cups stored in the storage and dispensing portion.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the retaining ridge capable of resisting removal of cups stored in the cup storage and dispensing portion includes a plurality of resistance regions.
 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the resistance regions are circumferentially disposed.
 8. The container of claim 5, wherein the retaining ridge capable of resisting removal of cups stored in the cup storage and dispensing portion is formed from a wall of the cup storage and dispensing portion.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the cup storage and dispensing portion is shaped substantially like the inner surface of a drinking cup, so as to minimize the volume of beverage displaced from the beverage container by the cup storage and dispensing portion.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the cup storage and dispensing portion is cooperative with a sealing cap.
 11. The container of claim 1, wherein the cup storage and dispensing portion is able to store and dispense a plurality of drinking cups.
 12. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least one cup contained in the cup storage and dispensing portion.
 13. A container for dispensing a beverage and for storing objects, comprising: a beverage container that is able to contain and dispense a beverage; and an externally accessible storage portion, incorporated into the structure of the container, that is able to store objects.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the storage portion is shaped so as to accommodate storage of a closed cylindrical container.
 15. The container of claim 13, wherein the storage portion is incorporated into an enclosing surface of the container.
 16. The container of claim 13, wherein the container has a bottom, and wherein the storage portion is formed into the bottom of the container.
 17. The container of claim 13, wherein the storage portion is formed into a side wall of the container.
 18. The container of claim 13, wherein the storage portion is cooperative with a sealing cap.
 19. A method for conveniently storing a beverage and at least one cup, and for dispensing the beverage into the cup, comprising: providing a beverage container that contains and is able to dispense a beverage, and that includes an externally accessible cup storage and dispensing portion, incorporated into the structure of the container, that contains and is able to dispense at least one cup; removing at least one cup from the cup storage and dispensing portion; and dispensing beverage from the beverage container into the at least one cup.
 20. A method for providing promotional items with beverage containers, the method comprising: providing a beverage container that is able to contain and dispense a beverage and that includes an externally accessible storage portion, incorporated into the structure of the container, that is able to store objects; placing one or more promotional items within the externally accessible storage portion; and sealing the promotional items within the externally accessible storage portion with a removable cover. 